Grace Isobel Johanna Gaskell was born on Wednesday 12th April 2006. Much loved younger sister to Josh and Imogen.

‘Wednesdays child is full of woe’ this is often associated with a life of compassion and empathy for others and this for Grace was very true. Grace was a happy child who cared deeply.

She was an incredibly happy and funny baby, always acting the comedian to make people laugh. From a young age it was clear she cared about people and animals with compassion. She was also quite shy and lacked in confidence but hid this behind her humour and desire to make people laugh.

Grace’s favourite soft toy was her Piglet from Winnie the Pooh which was bought for her on her 2nd birthday whist on holiday, and the two quickly became inseparable.

“When you wake up in the morning, Pooh,” said Piglet at last, “What’s the first thing you say to yourself?” “What’s for breakfast?” said Pooh. “What do you say, Piglet?” “I say, I wonder what’s going to happen exciting today?” said Piglet.

Winnie the Pooh and friends

Her cheeky, playful but shy nature carried on right through her childhood and at the age of 8 Grace took her first holy communion and the very next day became an alter server at our local church St.Josephs. It became quite a surprise to us that Grace wanted to serve as she often lacked in confidence. But this was something she was determined to do and she did it well.

Just over a year later Grace received her bronze ‘St.Stephens’ medal for dedicated service to the church, where she served alongside her brother Josh. Such a proud moment for us all.

Grace loved to serve her church and quickly became confident enough to teach other children how to serve. She was a natural with young children, she had so much patience and understanding around them. A natural nurturing side which was beautiful to see. This side of Grace would later become part of her legacy in teaching others that cancer didn’t define her.

In September of 2017 Grace moved up to senior school at St.Joan of Arc and continued as an alter server not only at church but also at school. Grace loved school and quickly began to flourish in her abilities. I remember her first parents evening and coming out beaming from all the wonderful things that had been said.

Grace had just 7 mths at St.Joans before becoming poorly with what we later found out was brain cancer. This is where Grace’s journey of pure faith, determination and strength began. The little girl who’ thanked God for the gift of cancer so she could teach others it doesn’t define them’